Compression and Extension of K0 Normally Consolidated Kaolin Clay

Abstract

Theories for soil deformation and strength have generally been developed from tests on isotropically consolidated samples. However, evidence from tests on anisotropically consolidated reconstituted soils and natural soils suggests that there are major differences between the behavior of one‐dimensionally (K0) and isotropically consolidated soils. This paper describes a series of triaxial tests carried out in microcomputer controlled stress path equipment to investigate the strength and the state boundary surface for one‐dimensionally normally consolidated kaolin clay. These tests comprise a variety of stress and strain controlled loading paths including drained, constant p′, and undrained tests in compression and extension, many of which were not available previously in conventional triaxial equipment. The tests show that both the strength and stress‐strain behavior were significantly effected by a one‐dimensional consolidation stress history.